Arsene Wenger has been keen to bolster his defensive options after injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel. Laurent Koscielny has only just returned to training following his Euro 2016 exploits with France.

Having spent two days in talks at Valencia’s training ground, Mustafi’s agent has now confirmed a deal is getting closer, with Arsenal only needing to agree a fee with Valencia to complete the move.

“Shkodran and Arsenal have reached an agreement, the clubs now only have to agree on the fee,” Ali Bulut told Spox.